Vikings: Time To Call In The Young Guns

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

With the Minnesota Vikings mathematically eliminated from postseason contention it’s time to sit the familiar faces and see what they have waiting in the wings. A move was already made in this direction by starting Audi Cole at MLB the past few weeks, and I’ve enjoyed what we’ve got to see from him so far. I would like to see them expand on this though, especially with nothing to lose. Instead of moving Henderson to weak side LB, let him ride the pine the rest of the year. I would love to see what they have in Gerald Hodges and Mike Mauti. Chad Greenway, who is one of the few players that has earned a solidified starting spot on this defense for years to come, could also sit a few series out to allow for rotations that would feature the two Penn State rookies, while at the same time reducing the wear and tear on his body in a meaningless season. I would also like to see how Andrew Sandejo could continue to develop alongside Harrison Smith, I see that as having the potential to be a nasty duo in the defensive backfield

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Similar moves could be made all across the roster that would allow the team, and fans, to see just what they have waiting in the shadows, ready to see action next season. The  move that I think needs to be made at some point, sooner rather than later, is the move to sit Cassel and Ponder and see just how far Josh Freeman has developed since we last saw him in the Monday Night Monstrosity. The team spent a good chunk of change on the former first round pick out of Kansas State, and I can only assume they did so for a reason, so lets see if the kid would be worth re-signing to bring into camp next season. I mean there is no way he is the worst QB on the roster, and he has all the physical tools to be a franchise QB so now lets see how hard he’s been working to learn the offense.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

I think it’s pretty obvious there will be some major changes on the sideline next season, but a lot of the familiar faces under the helmets have passed their prime and lost a step, so let’s get a good size sample of these young guns and see if they can’t drum up some optimism for 2014!

SKOL!

Packers suck!

-Jordan Nadel